The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-08

probably compensate for the loss in the
strength of the relative combatants. But that
is just what they cannot do. If a man comes
out here and takes wholly and bodily
me birmingham theory, he win
have arrayed against him the
balance Of the state. 1t is difficult to tell
what is the political sentiment of the state
Senator Morgan is on record rs favoring a re-
duction on tobacco and it is hardly unlikely
that he would carry that refusal so far as to
OBJECT to other things. Favoring a reduction
on wool, Woolens and other things, he may he
said to favor tariff for revenue with incidental
protection, and that is the position of the Ala
bama people. A few months ago a lot of
Montgomery people went up to Birmingham to
live; they were loudly against the tariff, the
most pronounced free traders one would ever
hope to see. A slight change of residence did
the work.
Today no moro fierce qnd uncompromising
enemies of free trade exist in the state than
those same Montgomerians.
And after all Il mans residence and his bust
ness decides this matter for him. Why shouldn't
1t? You live in Birmingham where every
interest is dependent upon the production Of
iron, and as very natural result, it is true
you find nothing but protective interests and
sentiments there. When you come here to
Montgomery, where the people are not partic-
ularly in love with any special thing, it is
difficult to class; but as between absolute free
trade or protection, have yet to interview the
man who adheres to free trade pure and sim
pie. He may be and is willing to take great
many articles upon his faith in the experiment.
but to the farmer, and others engaged in agii-
cultural pursuits, they care very little about
the matter, and are by no means free traders.
''The sentiment has not crystalized into
any shape here" said prominent lawyer,
land it will not do in the proposed race between
Morgan, Tompkns and Watts. These men,
represent as far as ] am informed, about the
same shade of views. Whatever differences
may exist would not be apt to cause differ
ence in votes. | think Morgan's recollection
sure, so sure in truth that discussion Of the
probabilities against him is waste Of time.
But whenever our people are called upon TO
elect new senator, to change from the one
class Of men TO another, you know who that
man will be. 1t will be Governor Seay."
The governor is the most popular man in
the state.
The race he ran last time was phenomenal
He had Clayton, Dawson aud McEroy all
against him and they were older ihen, and
many Of them had made fame and fortune in
other work. Seay was lower on the ladder
when the first ballot was taken than any other
man Of the lot, and yet you see what hap
pened. He was nominated and elected. lie
was the young mans candidate, and with en-
thu5iasm and eclat they rallied about him and
successfully carried him through. A more
popular official does not exist in the state
The Office has been shorn by
power. The governors capacities to do wrong
are very limited. The office Of the state audi
tor is far more important. In fact, rs a prom
inent politician said to me, If we had to choose
between democrat auditor and a republican
governor, VIC would infinitely prefer demo-
cratic auditor, for he it is who controls, shapes
and fashions the financial policy Of the entire
state. Fortunately for Alabama, she has no
need Of making any such choice, for In Gov
ernor Seay and-Auditor Burke she has two
officials that will stand equally with thoce OF
any state in the union.
Politics are not talked much here. Over in
Montgomery one occasionally hears something
about the fight over Senator Morgans seat.
In Mobile and Selma but little interest appears
TO be manifested. birmingham is the great
center Of tho protection theories, and in this
district, perhaps IN mono other, win a contest
be waged upon the tariff. Local issues down
south 50 far yet predominant over public qnos-
tlons that IL is doubtful if straightout pro-
tectionist would win over popular, able low
tariff reformer. The last race in the district
presented some curious and startling facts,
which demonstrate, If they do nothing else,
the truth Of the statement that the tariff qucs-
ton /, still subordinate.
Alabama Will send strong Cleveland dele
cation 70 the next democratic convention.
This is already foregone CONCLUSION, II